Farmers deliver 275 000 tonnes of maize

Marketing Board, which is about 55 percent of the national strategic grain reserves.
The 2010/11 grain marketing season ends this month.
Zimbabwe needs 500 000 tonnes of maize to ensure food security.
Farmers last year delivered 63 457 tonnes of maize to the GMB and this represented 13 percent of national strategic reserves. GMB general manager Mr Albert Mandizha said this year had seen a remarkable increase in grain deliveries countrywide.
“This is evidence of improved production levels and is critical for food security at both household and national levels. Although the 2010/11 buying season is drawing to an end, there is still much activity in terms of deliveries,” he said. Mr Mandizha said there is enough grain at GMB depots countrywide to meet food requirements in deficit areas that have been identified so far.
He identified the deficit areas as Masvingo, Manicaland (South), Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Bulawayo and Midlands.
These areas require 35 000 tonnes of maize and GMB would sell maize at US$16 per 50kg bag to the public.
“A cumulative total of 239 753 tonnes of maize had been delivered to the GMB as of February 24, and 97 percent of the maize delivered has been paid for,” he said.
There was also a noted increase in wheat deliveries of 24 611 tonnes by February 24 this year compared to 19 998 tonnes delivered in the last season.
During the same period, a combined total tonnage for small grains received was at 2 527tonnes, a 46 percent decrease from the 2009/2010 season in which 4 708 tonnes were received.
“Farmers are urged to increase production for small grains as it also increases the nation’s preparedness in meeting requirements for national food security,” he said.
Mandizha encouraged farmers to continue delivering their produce to the GMB and avoid unscrupulous grain merchants and misfits to ensure the country’s food security. He said the GMB had registered 12 depots for the receipt warehouse system. This is when farmers can stock their produce while waiting for sale.
“Through this system farmers will deliver their produce and stock it until the time they choose to sell.The farmer has an advantage of selling when prices are favourable.After delivering the grain under the system, the farmer will be issued with a certificate which may also be used as security when borrowing money from banks,” he said.